Fred G. Nickels III, age 98. Born November 30, 1927, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, he was finally granted his wish of joining his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy (Johnson) in heaven. Dear father of the late David (Sue), Mark (Alice, deceased), the late Fred IV (Maria), Mary Anne Getz (Jeff), Terry (Jimmy), and Matthew (Jean). Grandfather of Dusty, Evan, Emily, Matt, Adam, Maddie, John and Kate. Great-grandfather of seven. Loving brother of Tom, Jim and Carl, all predeceased. Fred was a lifelong funeral director and owner of The Nickels Funeral Home in Lakewood, Ohio. He was also a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns (former season ticket holder for over 50 years), Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a passionate follower of Notre Dame football (his brother's alma mater), and rooted for Jordan Spieth to win every PGA golf tournament. He loved poker, and hosted weekly games at his home for many years until his friends ran out of money for him to take. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Poor Clares Monastery, 3501 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111. Funeral Mass Wednesday, April 8th, St. Raphael Church, 525 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village at 10:00 a.m. Friends received Tuesday, April 7th, at the McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL HOME OF WESTLAKE 25620 CENTER RIDGE RD. (WEST OF COLUMBIA) 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment at Holy Cross cemetery immediately following mass.